JAPAN’S BLUNDER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24417, 1 October 1940, Page 7

JAPAN’S BLUNDER

SIGNING OF THE PACT POSSIBLE MOVE BY AMERICA USE OF SINGAPORE BASE LONDON, Sept. 30. (Received Oct. 1, at 2 a.m.) Political commentators and diplomatic circles are of the opinion that Japan blundered when she signed the new pact with Germany and Italy, committing herself as a supporter of and sympathiser with desperado aggressor Powers who have been doing their utmost to divert attention from Europe by creating such threat in the Far East as Japan’s signature carries. Generally the hope is expressed that the policy of appeasement hitherto adopted towards Japan will be speedily buried. It is recognised, however that before this can be done much will denend on the intentions and actions of the United States, with which the British Government is working with ever-increasing accord. Authoritative circles in London will not be surprised if very soon decisions are reached in Washington with regard to the future use of Singapore, a decision which it is believed the American naval command would favour. The foothold which Japan has gained in Indo-China is regarded as having challenging implications —having in her hands ports and aerodromes, which she will busily stock with ships and aeroplanes in preparation for sea and air offensive. Moreover, she has a great prize in Tongking Bay, lying athwart the British sealine of communications and enabling her to concentrate on Thailand, which overhangs Singapore from the north According to a message from Chungking, the belief tha* Britain will soon reopen the Burma road to the passage of arms was expressed by Dr Oong Wen Hao, Minister of Economic Affairs. He said that Britain must have realised that appeasement cannot change Japan’s hostile attitude as was proved by the alliance. The leading daily, Takungpao, says: “The latest action by Japan releases Britain from whatever treaty obligations she might have to Japan.”